Singer Hayley Westenra, serving RAF personnel and the general public came together at the Cotswold Air Show on 19th June to support a new campaign to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The RAF Benevolent Fund’s “Heartfelt Thanks” campaign asks people to use the anniversary as an opportunity to express their appreciation to members of the RAF, past and present.

The “Heartfelt Thanks” campaign gives people the opportunity to write their own personal message of thanks to members of the RAF either online at www.rafbf.org/thanks or on cards available at air shows and RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) events throughout the summer.

The messages of thanks will be presented to RAF veterans on Battle of Britain Sunday, 19th September 2010.

Hayley Westenra wrote her own message of thanks to her Great Uncle, who served in the RAF. The message read:

“A Heartfelt Thanks to my Great Uncle and all his colleagues past and present, who flew in defence of freedom. RAF: we are so appreciative of the work you do.”

Also writing messages were many people who have been helped by the RAFBF, including Tony Rogers, a Polish national who flew Spitfires and many other aircraft for the RAF in World War Two. The RAFBF supported Tony by providing him with a scooter to maintain his independence and also helped fund his recent trip home to Poland, the first time he visited the country of his birth since 1939.

Tony’s message read:

“To all Polish squadrons who flew in the RAF during WW2, thank-you.”

RAFBF Controller Air Marshal Sir Robert Wright explains the importance of recognising the role of the RAF:

“The RAF Benevolent Fund’s job is to repay the debt of gratitude we owe to those who fought for our freedom in 1940, and all those who’ve served since, including those serving today. We do this by providing tangible support to all members of the RAF family – past, present and future. The Battle of Britain may have happened 70 years ago, but ongoing operations including those in Afghanistan mean that many of those currently serving will need practical and financial support for themselves and their families for the next 70 years and beyond.

“The RAFBF spends over £20 million every year helping the RAF family deal with a range of issues. Current projects funded by the charity include free relationship counselling for serving personnel, childcare and youth facilities on RAF stations, specialist financial advice delivered through Citizens Advice and treatment for mental health problems in association with Combat Stress.”

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